Team news for FCSB encounter

Thursday 30 January 2025 09:29

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has suggested he will rotate his squad for the Europa League tie away to FCSB.

The Reds are looking to clinch a top-eight place in the table, in order to seal a last-16 berth and avoid a two-legged play-off next month.

The 20:00 GMT kick-off at the National Stadium promises to be a tricky test, with the Bucharest side currently in eighth spot and harbouring the same aims.

Ruben's Q&A: FCSB (A) Video

Ruben's Q&A: FCSB (A)

RUBEN'S Q&A | The boss makes United's objective in Romania clear: to win and finish in the Europa League's top eight...

Speaking to MUTV's Mark Sullivan in the Romanian capital, Amorim shed some light on his plans for our final contest at this stage of the competition.

"We have to rotate some players," he said. "Everybody is prepared - and it is crucial for us to stay in the top eight and to avoid the play-offs.

"Like I've said so many times, we need time to train. We need to rest some players also, so we need to win tomorrow.

"We have to face the game in a good way, fight for every ball, but to improve with the possession and we'll try, tomorrow, with the starting XI, to have players with a lot of possession, to control the game, because it's really important, especially in the beginning."

United confirmed the 21-man travelling squad ahead of the flight to Bucharest, including fit-again Victor Lindelof.

There is no Marcus Rashford, with the boss reiterating the reasons why the forward is currently out of action in his press conference, nor Luke Shaw, who did train with the main group at Carrington.

Manuel Ugarte appears to have shaken off the knock that forced him off in the win at Fulham, while Altay Bayindir started the previous European match, against Rangers, in goal.

Amorim's comments could be interpreted as hinting Christian Eriksen could start.

Jonny Evans and Mason Mount remain unavailable due to injury.

Amorim and Yoro's press conference Video

Amorim and Yoro's press conference

PRESS CONFERENCE | Ruben Amorim and Leny Yoro spoke to the media shortly after touching down in Romania on Wednesday...

FCSB'S TEAM NEWS

The hosts are without captain Darius Olaru, although he attended their training session before the game to help show his support for his colleagues.

There is a blow at the back too, with former Tottenham centre-back Vlad Chiriches looking set to miss out because he has not had enough time on the training field, after suffering a muscular problem recently. Mihail Lixandru is also still absent.

Coach Elias Charalambous is tipped to use a 4-5-1 formation, with Daniel Birligea in attack.

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